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1132964

	registered interest
	date	18/06/2019
	answering body	Home Office
	answering dept id	1
	answering dept short name	Home Office
	answering dept sort name	Home Office
	hansard heading	Visas: Africa
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, which UK visa application centres in Africa were closed between 2017 and 2019.
	tabling member constituency	Newcastle upon Tyne Central
	tabling member printed	Chi Onwurah
	uin	266255
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 09/09/2019 answer text <p>UK Visas &amp; Immigration closed no Visa Application Centres in Africa between 2017 and 2019. However, in the same period we opened additional centres in Kenya (Mombasa), Morocco (Casablanca) and Algeria (Oran). We have also introduced an annual Visa Application Centre in the Seychelles for our customers applying for student visas.</p> answering member constituency South Ribble answering member printed Seema Kennedy question first answered 09/09/2019 15:41:37 answering member 4455 label Biography information for Seema Kennedy
	tabling member	4124 label Biography information for Chi Onwurah

1142391

	registered interest
	date	25/07/2019
	answering body	Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
	answering dept id	10
	answering dept short name	Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
	answering dept sort name	Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
	hansard heading	Artificial Intelligence: Public Sector
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of creating a standardised procurement code for privately developed algorithms used in the public sector which includes mandatory human rights, data protection and equality impact assessments.
	tabling member constituency	Newcastle upon Tyne Central
	tabling member printed	Chi Onwurah
	uin	282345
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 09/09/2019 answer text <p>It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.</p> answering member constituency Boston and Skegness answering member printed Matt Warman question first answered 09/09/2019 14:55:49 answering member 4361 label Biography information for Matt Warman
	tabling member	4124 label Biography information for Chi Onwurah

1142392

	registered interest
	date	25/07/2019
	answering body	Ministry of Justice
	answering dept id	54
	answering dept short name	Justice
	answering dept sort name	Justice
	hansard heading	Administration of Justice: Artificial Intelligence
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of the Law Society’s recommendation that the Government create (a) a statutory code of practice for the use of algorithms in the justice system and (b) a national register of algorithms in the justice system.
	tabling member constituency	Newcastle upon Tyne Central
	tabling member printed	Chi Onwurah
	uin	282346
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 09/09/2019 answer text <p>We have noted the Law Society of England and Wales’ report with interest. We recognise the importance of ethics when designing AI systems for use in the criminal justice system. The Government is committed to the better use and management of data and algorithmic tools.</p> answering member constituency Charnwood answering member printed Edward Argar question first answered 09/09/2019 09:02:31 answering member 4362 label Biography information for Edward Argar
	tabling member	4124 label Biography information for Chi Onwurah

1146250

	registered interest
	date	25/09/2019
	answering body	Department of Health and Social Care
	answering dept id	17
	answering dept short name	Health and Social Care
	answering dept sort name	Health and Social Care
	hansard heading	Medical Treatments: Nanotechnology
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the Prime Minister's speech to the UN on 24 September 2019, what assessment he has made of the regulatory framework for the use of nanotechnology in medicine.
	tabling member constituency	Newcastle upon Tyne Central
	tabling member printed	Chi Onwurah
	uin	291007
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 30/09/2019 answer text <p>Currently nanotechnology used in medicine is regulated under the legislation that applies to medical devices and medicinal products.</p><p>The medical device regulations require that all medical devices are safe and perform as intended. The regulations have recently been updated and the new regulations include specific requirements for medical devices containing nanomaterials. This means that any medical device containing nanomaterials will be subject to more detailed regulatory scrutiny than under the current regulations.</p><p>As with all medicinal products, before a nanomedicine is granted a marketing authorisation and becomes available in the United Kingdom, it must be fully evaluated in relation to the appropriate standards required in the relevant legislation on medicinal products. In addition, specific scientific guidelines on nanomedicines have been developed to help medicines developers prepare marketing authorisation applications for nanomedicines.</p><p>No specific assessment of the regulatory framework for the use of nanotechnology in medicine has been undertaken.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Mid Bedfordshire answering member printed Ms Nadine Dorries question first answered 30/09/2019 12:03:27 answering member 1481 label Biography information for Ms Nadine Dorries
	tabling member	4124 label Biography information for Chi Onwurah

1146254

	registered interest
	date	25/09/2019
	answering body	Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
	answering dept id	10
	answering dept short name	Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
	answering dept sort name	Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
	hansard heading	Technology: Conferences
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to the Prime Minister's speech at the United Nations on 24 September 2019, what (a) plans she has made and (b) public consultation she plans to conduct in relation to the London summit on tech; and what steps she is taking to ensure that the public opinion will be represented.
	tabling member constituency	Newcastle upon Tyne Central
	tabling member printed	Chi Onwurah
	uin	291009
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 08/10/2019 answer text <p><em>It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation. </em></p> answering member constituency Boston and Skegness answering member printed Matt Warman question first answered 08/10/2019 15:56:26 answering member 4361 label Biography information for Matt Warman
	tabling member	4124 label Biography information for Chi Onwurah

1146257

	registered interest
	date	25/09/2019
	answering body	Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
	answering dept id	10
	answering dept short name	Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
	answering dept sort name	Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
	hansard heading	Internet: Data Protection
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to the Prime Minister's speech to the UN Assembly on 24 September 2019, what steps she is taking to develop a data framework for the internet of things to regulate the use of that data by companies.
	tabling member constituency	Newcastle upon Tyne Central
	tabling member printed	Chi Onwurah
	uin	291011
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 01/10/2019 answer text <p>The Government takes the protection of personal data extremely seriously. The Data Protection Act (DPA) 2018 and the GDPR are in place to ensure that organisations who collect and use data do so lawfully and transparently.</p><p> </p><p>The rules included in the DPA 2018 and the GDPR impose strict obligations on organisations to process people’s data fairly and lawfully and to ensure that any data collected is held securely. Organisations must also ensure they have a legal basis for processing data, are clear and transparent about how personal data will be handled, and ensure that the data is processed in a way which individuals would expect. Organisations that fail to comply may be subject to enforcement action by the Information Commissioner’s Office.</p><p> </p><p>We have also issued a Code of Practice for organisations involved in the development, manufacturing and retail of products linked to the ‘Internet of Things’ to ensure that products are designed securely and keep consumers safe. In parallel, we have published consumer guidance to raise public awareness about setting-up, managing and improving the security of their consumer devices. The code of practice and guidance for consumers can be viewed at the following links:</p><p><a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/secure-by-design/code-of-practice-for-consumer-iot-security" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/secure-by-design/code-of-practice-for-consumer-iot-security</a></p><p> </p><p><a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/secure-by-design/consumer-guidance-for-smart-devices-in-the-home" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/secure-by-design/consumer-guidance-for-smart-devices-in-the-home</a></p><p> </p><p>The Government also set up the Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation last year to ensure that data and AI-driven innovations continue to deliver maximum benefits for society. The UK already benefits from a world-class regulatory regime, and the Centre will build on this by providing independent, expert advice on responding to the rapidly evolving way in which data is impacting our lives.</p> answering member constituency Selby and Ainsty answering member printed Nigel Adams grouped question UIN 291016 question first answered 01/10/2019 16:08:36 answering member 4057 label Biography information for Nigel Adams
	tabling member	4124 label Biography information for Chi Onwurah

1146261

	registered interest
	date	25/09/2019
	answering body	Department for International Development
	answering dept id	20
	answering dept short name	International Development
	answering dept sort name	International Development
	hansard heading	Africa: Renewable Energy
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, with reference to the Prime Minister's support for solar technology in African countries in his speech to the UN General Assembly on 24 September 2019, what steps the Government is taking to support (a) solar projects in Africa and (b) the sharing of renewable technology.
	tabling member constituency	Newcastle upon Tyne Central
	tabling member printed	Chi Onwurah
	uin	291013
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 30/09/2019 answer text <p>DFID’s support to clean energy in Africa is delivered through a range of programmes. We provide funding to support the installation of more off-grid solar power such as through mini-grid projects (e.g. in Kenya and Rwanda). We are helping to establish markets in a number of African countries for household solar power so poor people have access to affordable clean energy. We are also supporting private sector solar projects through the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and development finance interventions such as CDC, the Private Infrastructure Development Group, and the Multilateral Development Banks.</p><p> </p><p>Over the last seven years the UK has provided 26 million people with improved access to clean energy and installed 1,600 MW of clean energy capacity.</p><p> </p><p>At the G7, the Prime Minister announced the UK would double its support to the GCF, the principal climate multilateral, to £1.44bn over the next four years, to help developing countries adapt to the impacts of climate change and shift away from fossil fuels to renewable energy such as solar power. A range of existing GCF projects are supporting solar power in Africa. For example a GCF project is helping 50 poor, rural communities in Mali to switch from fossil fuel-powered diesel generators and kerosene lamps to green energy by installing solar mini-grids.</p><p> </p><p>The Prime Minister announced at the UN Climate Action Summit funding of up to £1 billion for research, development and demonstration of new technologies and business models to unlock opportunities in developing countries for cleaner growth and better access to clean energy. Emerging technology areas to be supported include for example, energy storage, new cooling technologies, next generation solar, and technologies for industrial decarbonisation.</p> answering member constituency Richmond Park answering member printed Zac Goldsmith question first answered 30/09/2019 17:11:02 answering member 4062 label Biography information for Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park
	tabling member	4124 label Biography information for Chi Onwurah

1146264

	registered interest
	date	25/09/2019
	answering body	Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept id	201
	answering dept short name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept sort name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	hansard heading	Electric Vehicles: Finance
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, with reference to the Prime Minister's speech to the UN General Assembly on 24 September 2019 in support of electric cars, whether she has plans to allocate additional funding to support the electric vehicle network; and what progress she has made on the development of that network.
	tabling member constituency	Newcastle upon Tyne Central
	tabling member printed	Chi Onwurah
	uin	291015
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 30/09/2019 answer text <p>Government funding and leadership, alongside private sector investment, has supported the installation of more than 21,000 public chargepoints. This includes over 2,100 rapid chargepoints – one of the largest networks in Europe. The Government has already allocated further funding. In August it was announced that funding for local authorities through the On-street Residential Chargepoint Scheme (ORCS) would be doubled this financial year increasing from £2.5 to £5 million. Since 2017, 54 local authorities have applied and the ORCS will have helped deliver approximately 2500 chargepoints by the end of March 2020. Earlier this month the Treasury launched a £400m public-private Charging Infrastructure Investment Fund, with the first £70 million allocated for 3000 rapid chargepoints, which will double the number across the UK.</p><p> </p><p>In July, it was announced that the Government would launch a review into the national core rapid charging network along motorways and major A roads. We also want to ensure that chargepoints are easily accessible for all drivers which is why the Government announced in July that we want to see all new rapid and higher powered chargepoints provide debit or credit card payment by spring 2020.</p><p> </p><p>Most charging will continue to happen at people’s homes or workplaces. To support this we have launched a consultation, running from July to October 2019, on proposals for new private chargepoints to have smart functionality and related minimum device standards. Smart functionality will enable electric vehicles to charge off peak, reducing costs for consumers and demands on the energy system. We are also consulting to the same timescale on changing Building Regulations to require a chargepoint in every new home where there is an appropriate parking space, and minimum infrastructure provision in new non-residential buildings.</p> answering member constituency Stratford-on-Avon answering member printed Nadhim Zahawi question first answered 30/09/2019 14:48:15 answering member 4113 label Biography information for Nadhim Zahawi
	tabling member	4124 label Biography information for Chi Onwurah

1146266

	registered interest
	date	25/09/2019
	answering body	Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
	answering dept id	10
	answering dept short name	Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
	answering dept sort name	Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
	hansard heading	Internet: Data Protection
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps she is taking to mitigate the risks of the internet of things surveillance raised by the Prime Minister in his speech to the UN General Assembly on 24 September 2019.
	tabling member constituency	Newcastle upon Tyne Central
	tabling member printed	Chi Onwurah
	uin	291016
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 01/10/2019 answer text <p>The Government takes the protection of personal data extremely seriously. The Data Protection Act (DPA) 2018 and the GDPR are in place to ensure that organisations who collect and use data do so lawfully and transparently.</p><p> </p><p>The rules included in the DPA 2018 and the GDPR impose strict obligations on organisations to process people’s data fairly and lawfully and to ensure that any data collected is held securely. Organisations must also ensure they have a legal basis for processing data, are clear and transparent about how personal data will be handled, and ensure that the data is processed in a way which individuals would expect. Organisations that fail to comply may be subject to enforcement action by the Information Commissioner’s Office.</p><p> </p><p>We have also issued a Code of Practice for organisations involved in the development, manufacturing and retail of products linked to the ‘Internet of Things’ to ensure that products are designed securely and keep consumers safe. In parallel, we have published consumer guidance to raise public awareness about setting-up, managing and improving the security of their consumer devices. The code of practice and guidance for consumers can be viewed at the following links:</p><p><a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/secure-by-design/code-of-practice-for-consumer-iot-security" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/secure-by-design/code-of-practice-for-consumer-iot-security</a></p><p> </p><p><a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/secure-by-design/consumer-guidance-for-smart-devices-in-the-home" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/secure-by-design/consumer-guidance-for-smart-devices-in-the-home</a></p><p> </p><p>The Government also set up the Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation last year to ensure that data and AI-driven innovations continue to deliver maximum benefits for society. The UK already benefits from a world-class regulatory regime, and the Centre will build on this by providing independent, expert advice on responding to the rapidly evolving way in which data is impacting our lives.</p> answering member constituency Selby and Ainsty answering member printed Nigel Adams grouped question UIN 291011 question first answered 01/10/2019 16:08:36 answering member 4057 label Biography information for Nigel Adams
	tabling member	4124 label Biography information for Chi Onwurah

1146268

	registered interest
	date	25/09/2019
	answering body	Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
	answering dept id	10
	answering dept short name	Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
	answering dept sort name	Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
	hansard heading	Digital Technology: Procurement
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of creating a standardised procurement code for privately developed algorithms used in the public sector which includes mandatory human rights, data protection and equality impact assessments.
	tabling member constituency	Newcastle upon Tyne Central
	tabling member printed	Chi Onwurah
	uin	291017
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 08/10/2019 answer text <p>It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.</p> answering member constituency Selby and Ainsty answering member printed Nigel Adams question first answered 08/10/2019 16:04:17 answering member 4057 label Biography information for Nigel Adams
	tabling member	4124 label Biography information for Chi Onwurah

1147037

	registered interest
	date	30/09/2019
	answering body	Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
	answering dept id	7
	answering dept short name	Housing, Communities and Local Government
	answering dept sort name	Housing, Communities and Local Government
	hansard heading	Port of Tyne: Finance
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, for what reasons the Port of Tyne has not received grants from the Brexit Readiness Fund.
	tabling member constituency	Newcastle upon Tyne Central
	tabling member printed	Chi Onwurah
	uin	292232
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 03/10/2019 answer text <p>Across 2017/18 and 2018/19, my Department has made available £77 million to help local areas prepare for Brexit. This includes £60 million that has been distributed between all local authorities in England, and an additional £8.15 million allocated to further support councils which either have, or are near to, a major air, land or sea port to ensure they continue to operate efficiently. <br> <br> The additional funding for councils with ports is to boost those councils’ capacity and help them put in place measures that will protect the services that residents, communities and businesses rely upon. The allocations for this funding have been based on a number of factors including the expected impact on the local area, the amount of EU goods received by port areas into the country and the areas’ wider importance to the UK’s trade network. The Port of Tyne is within the boundaries of North Tyneside Council, which has received £314,952 of Brexit capacity funding from MHCLG.</p> answering member constituency Thornbury and Yate answering member printed Luke Hall question first answered 03/10/2019 13:49:19 answering member 4450 label Biography information for Luke Hall
	tabling member	4124 label Biography information for Chi Onwurah

1147041

	registered interest
	date	30/09/2019
	answering body	Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept id	201
	answering dept short name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept sort name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	hansard heading	Manufacturing Industries: North East
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, pursuant to the oral contribution of 25 September 2019 from the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, and Minister for the Cabinet Office, Official Report Column 739, how much money is available through business representative organisations to help North East manufacturers prepare for the UK leaving the EU; and which organisations are involved in this process.
	tabling member constituency	Newcastle upon Tyne Central
	tabling member printed	Chi Onwurah
	uin	292233
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 07/10/2019 answer text <p>The Business Readiness Fund makes up to £15M available to support Business Representative Organisations as they help to prepare businesses for leaving the EU on 31 October. As of 1 October, BEIS has approved 69 bids from business representative organisations. Further applications are still in the process of being reviewed. Applications have spanned a wide range of sectors (including manufacturing) and are from across the UK, including the North East of England. We continue to encourage bids until applications close on 7 October.</p> answering member constituency Stratford-on-Avon answering member printed Nadhim Zahawi question first answered 07/10/2019 13:18:13 answering member 4113 label Biography information for Nadhim Zahawi
	tabling member	4124 label Biography information for Chi Onwurah

1147042

	registered interest
	date	30/09/2019
	answering body	Treasury
	answering dept id	14
	answering dept short name	Treasury
	answering dept sort name	Treasury
	hansard heading	Business: Government Assistance
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the oral contribution of 25 September 2019 from the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, Official Report Column 739, if he will publish the criteria for which a business will be judged fundamentally viable in order to receive assistance from the Government in the event of the UK leaving the EU without a deal.
	tabling member constituency	Newcastle upon Tyne Central
	tabling member printed	Chi Onwurah
	uin	292234
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 03/10/2019 answer text <p>The Government is currently considering how best to support businesses across the country in the event of a no deal exit from the EU.</p><p> </p><p>The first port of call for a business facing cashflow issues should be commercial lending. As the Bank of England have said, UK banks are well-prepared, well-capitalised, and publicly committed to continuing to lend to viable businesses.</p><p> </p><p>We are monitoring businesses and sectors which may be exposed to short-term difficulties as a result of EU Exit and have been clear that should there be no deal, we would support the economy through whatever appropriate action is necessary, in keeping with the principles of managing public money.</p> answering member constituency Richmond (Yorks) answering member printed Rishi Sunak question first answered 03/10/2019 16:37:12 answering member 4483 label Biography information for Rishi Sunak
	tabling member	4124 label Biography information for Chi Onwurah

1147043

	registered interest
	date	30/09/2019
	answering body	Treasury
	answering dept id	14
	answering dept short name	Treasury
	answering dept sort name	Treasury
	hansard heading	Business: Government Assistance
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the oral contribution of 25 September 2019 from the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, and Minister for the Cabinet Office, Official Report Column 739, what support has been planned for fundamentally viable businesses in the North East in the event of supply chain and trade issues as a result of the UK leaving the EU on 31 October 2019.
	tabling member constituency	Newcastle upon Tyne Central
	tabling member printed	Chi Onwurah
	uin	292235
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 03/10/2019 answer text <p>Overall, the government has already made over £6.3bn available to prepare for EU exit. This includes £2 billion of core funding for departments for Brexit in 2020-21, which was confirmed in the recent Spending Round.</p><p> </p><p>The Government has introduced significant and widespread measures to aid SMEs’ preparations for Brexit. We have created a £108m Brexit Business Preparedness Pot – which is being allocated across government.</p><p> </p><p>The Government is supporting the North through devolution deals for, among others, Manchester, Liverpool, and, most recently, North of Tyne, as well as through over £13 billion of investment in better transport across the north. In addition, we have invested over £3 billion from the local growth fund in the region since 2015, and we committed at the last Budget to announce a renewed northern powerhouse strategy.</p><p> </p><p>In the event the UK leaves the EU without a deal, the Government has guaranteed funding for certain EU funded projects agreed before the end of 2020. This includes EU funded research projects, where UK organisations successfully bid directly to the European Commission on a competitive basis, and ensures that UK charities, businesses and universities, will continue to receive funding over a project’s lifetime, even in a no deal scenario.</p><p> </p><p>The UK economy remains resilient but we will continue to closely monitor any developments in economic risks to firms, sectors, and regions. Should circumstances require, the government will take the necessary action to support the UK economy through the transition.</p> answering member constituency Richmond (Yorks) answering member printed Rishi Sunak question first answered 03/10/2019 16:38:25 answering member 4483 label Biography information for Rishi Sunak
	tabling member	4124 label Biography information for Chi Onwurah

1147044

	registered interest
	date	30/09/2019
	answering body	Cabinet Office
	answering dept id	53
	answering dept short name	Cabinet Office
	answering dept sort name	Cabinet Office
	hansard heading	Food Supply: North East
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the Operation Yellowhammer document, what plans are in place for the adequate supply and distribution of food to the North East in the event of disruptions to supply resulting from the UK leaving the EU without a deal; and to what extent those plans account for the potential effect of food price increases on low income groups.
	tabling member constituency	Newcastle upon Tyne Central
	tabling member printed	Chi Onwurah
	uin	292236
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 03/10/2019 answer text <p>The UK has a high level of food security built upon a diverse range of sources including strong domestic production and imports from other countries. This will continue to be the case whether we leave the EU with or without a deal. While we are making sensible preparations for all eventualities, there are no plans for the Government to either store food or reroute supplies. The expertise, capability and levers to plan for and respond to food supply disruption lies with the industry. This includes looking at alternative supply routes and suppliers.</p><p>The Government has well established ways of working with the food industry on food supply chain issues and we are using these to support preparations for leaving the EU. This includes working with Defra’s long established Food Chain Emergency Liaison Group, which allows Government and industry to work together to plan for and respond to any food supply disruption.</p><p>The most important drivers of change in the cost of food on an ongoing basis are commodity prices, exchange rates and oil prices. This will continue to be the case once the UK has left the EU; the UK Government has no direct control of these factors.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Torbay answering member printed Kevin Foster question first answered 03/10/2019 16:08:25 answering member 4451 label Biography information for Kevin Foster
	tabling member	4124 label Biography information for Chi Onwurah

1147593

	registered interest
	date	01/10/2019
	answering body	Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept id	201
	answering dept short name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept sort name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	hansard heading	Climate Change: Training
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps she is taking to ensure that the green technology and decarbonisation work forces have the skills necessary to respond to the climate emergency.
	tabling member constituency	Newcastle upon Tyne Central
	tabling member printed	Chi Onwurah
	uin	292907
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 07/10/2019 answer text <p>We are establishing a technical education system that rivals the best in the world and are investing an additional £406 million in maths, digital and technical education to help address the shortage of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) skills. These measures will help provide good jobs and greater earning power for all, and will help provide businesses with the skilled people they need to thrive in our growing low carbon economy.</p><p> </p><p>The Department for Education has recently announced the creation of the independent Skills and Productivity Board (SPB) which will provide expert analysis, and evidence of which skills and training add the most value to the economy, and give the best jobs and earnings for learners. Government will use the Board’s evidence to inform policy decisions which will help the system to deliver more of the most valuable skills.</p> answering member constituency Spelthorne answering member printed Kwasi Kwarteng question first answered 07/10/2019 16:37:58 answering member 4134 label Biography information for Kwasi Kwarteng
	tabling member	4124 label Biography information for Chi Onwurah

1147771

	registered interest
	date	02/10/2019
	answering body	Department of Health and Social Care
	answering dept id	17
	answering dept short name	Health and Social Care
	answering dept sort name	Health and Social Care
	hansard heading	Vaccination: North East
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what lessons can be learnt from the higher rates of immunisation in the North East.
	tabling member constituency	Newcastle upon Tyne Central
	tabling member printed	Chi Onwurah
	uin	293567
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 08/10/2019 answer text <p>It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.</p> answering member constituency Bury St Edmunds answering member printed Jo Churchill question first answered 08/10/2019 15:22:13 answering member 4380 label Biography information for Jo Churchill
	tabling member	4124 label Biography information for Chi Onwurah

1149020

	registered interest
	date	14/10/2019
	answering body	Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
	answering dept id	10
	answering dept short name	Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
	answering dept sort name	Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
	hansard heading	Digital Technology: Procurement
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of creating a standardised procurement code for privately developed algorithms used in the public sector which includes mandatory human rights, data protection and equality impact assessments.
	tabling member constituency	Newcastle upon Tyne Central
	tabling member printed	Chi Onwurah
	uin	256
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 17/10/2019 answer text <p>Artificial Intelligence is a set of technologies that have the potential to greatly improve our public services by reducing costs, enhancing quality, and freeing up valuable time of frontline staff.</p><p> </p><p>Recognising this, the government published the Data Ethics framework and &quot;A Guide for using AI in the public sector&quot; to enable public bodies to adopt AI technologies in a safe and ethical way that works for everyone in society.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Selby and Ainsty answering member printed Nigel Adams question first answered 17/10/2019 11:48:48 answering member 4057 label Biography information for Nigel Adams
	tabling member	4124 label Biography information for Chi Onwurah

1149021

	registered interest
	date	14/10/2019
	answering body	Treasury
	answering dept id	14
	answering dept short name	Treasury
	answering dept sort name	Treasury
	hansard heading	Cash Dispensing: Fees and Charges
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps the Joint Accountability Cash Strategy Group are planning to take on the effect of the reduction in the interchange fee on free access to cash.
	tabling member constituency	Newcastle upon Tyne Central
	tabling member printed	Chi Onwurah
	uin	257
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 17/10/2019 answer text <p>Following a Call for Evidence on Cash &amp; Digital Payments, and in recognition of changing payment trends, the Government has set up the Joint Authorities Cash Strategy (JACS) Group.</p><p> </p><p>Chaired by the Treasury, this group brings together the key regulators to co-ordinate regulatory work to support nationwide cash access. The JACS Group is considering the whole end-to-end cash infrastructure, of which ATMs are a subset, and will publicly update on industry and regulatory activity in the Autumn.</p><p> </p><p>Regarding ATMs specifically, as you know, the Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) is closely monitoring developments in ATM provision and holding LINK to account over LINK’s commitments to preserve the broad geographic spread of the UK’s ATM network. LINK cancelled its third interchange fee reduction (the fee which funds free-to-use ATMs), due in January 2020, and put on hold its fourth reduction, due in January 2021, pending further review.</p><p> </p><p>The PSR welcomed these adjustments, having stated that LINK must carefully review its decisions on interchange fees to reflect changing market conditions.</p> answering member constituency Salisbury answering member printed John Glen question first answered 17/10/2019 13:13:25 answering member 4051 label Biography information for John Glen
	tabling member	4124 label Biography information for Chi Onwurah

1149025

	registered interest
	date	14/10/2019
	answering body	Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept id	201
	answering dept short name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept sort name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	hansard heading	Fracking
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment her Department has made of the effect of physical damage caused by hydraulic fracking on the (a) cost and (b) availability of home insurance for residents near that damage.
	tabling member constituency	Newcastle upon Tyne Central
	tabling member printed	Chi Onwurah
	uin	259
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 17/10/2019 answer text <p>The Department has not undertaken such assessments. As part of the assessment of an application for hydraulic fracturing operations, the Oil &amp; Gas Authority (OGA) requires operators to have in place the necessary funds or an insurance policy (including third-party liability) that will cover unforeseen events. In addition to insurance cover, landowners can bring a claim against a shale gas operator if its activities caused damage to their property.</p><p> </p><p>Hydraulic fracturing has taken place at two sites in Lancashire to date. Following a seismic event linked to Cuadrilla’s operations on 26 August a small number of reports of minor cosmetic damage have been investigated by the operator’s insurer and this is a matter for the operator and homeowners.</p><p> </p><p>The Government has always been clear that it will only support the exploration of our shale gas resources in a safe and sustainable way. The Oil and Gas Authority is undertaking a scientific analysis of the data from Cuadrilla’s earlier operations in 2018 which will be published shortly. The Government will set out our future approach once we have considered the findings.</p> answering member constituency Spelthorne answering member printed Kwasi Kwarteng question first answered 17/10/2019 14:39:19 answering member 4134 label Biography information for Kwasi Kwarteng
	tabling member	4124 label Biography information for Chi Onwurah

1149026

	registered interest
	date	14/10/2019
	answering body	Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
	answering dept id	7
	answering dept short name	Housing, Communities and Local Government
	answering dept sort name	Housing, Communities and Local Government
	hansard heading	Fracking
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what the timeframe is for the publication of the Government response to its consultation on Permitted development for shale gas exploration.
	tabling member constituency	Newcastle upon Tyne Central
	tabling member printed	Chi Onwurah
	uin	260
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/10/2019 answer text <p>The government is considering the responses to the consultation and will publish its response in due course.</p> answering member constituency Tatton answering member printed Esther McVey question first answered 22/10/2019 12:10:15 answering member 4084 label Biography information for Esther McVey previous answer version 139 answering member constituency Tatton answering member printed Esther McVey answering member 4084 label Biography information for Esther McVey
	tabling member	4124 label Biography information for Chi Onwurah

1149875

	registered interest
	date	16/10/2019
	answering body	Cabinet Office
	answering dept id	53
	answering dept short name	Cabinet Office
	answering dept sort name	Cabinet Office
	hansard heading	Technology: Conferences
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the Prime Minister's speech at the UN on 24 September 2019, what (a) plans she has made and (b) public consultation she plans to undertake in relation to the London Summit on Tech; and what steps he is taking to ensure that public opinion will be represented at that event.
	tabling member constituency	Newcastle upon Tyne Central
	tabling member printed	Chi Onwurah
	uin	1025
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 21/10/2019 answer text <p>Planning for the London Summit in 2020 is ongoing. The aim is to ensure scientific and technological developments are harnessed in pursuit of our shared values of freedom, openness and pluralism. Governments cannot do this alone and we will seek participation from academia, industry and civil society. We will announce further details in due course.</p> answering member constituency Hertsmere answering member printed Oliver Dowden question first answered 21/10/2019 13:51:00 answering member 4441 label Biography information for Oliver Dowden
	tabling member	4124 label Biography information for Chi Onwurah

1150197

	registered interest
	date	16/10/2019
	answering body	Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
	answering dept id	7
	answering dept short name	Housing, Communities and Local Government
	answering dept sort name	Housing, Communities and Local Government
	hansard heading	Local Government: Advertising
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what guidance he has issued to local authorities on the use of advertisements on their websites.
	tabling member constituency	Newcastle upon Tyne Central
	tabling member printed	Chi Onwurah
	uin	1026
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 21/10/2019 answer text <p>Local authorities are free to decide if and how to raise revenue through their digital platforms. However, they are legally required to consider the Code of Recommended Practice on Local Authority Publicity on all publicity issues, including website maintenance and the hosting of third-party material. Link to the Code: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/recommended-code-of-practice-for-local-authority-publicity" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/recommended-code-of-practice-for-local-authority-publicity</a>.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Thornbury and Yate answering member printed Luke Hall question first answered 21/10/2019 16:26:28 answering member 4450 label Biography information for Luke Hall
	tabling member	4124 label Biography information for Chi Onwurah

1151121

	registered interest
	date	21/10/2019
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Armed Forces: Recruitment
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what proportion of new recruits to the armed forces came from the North East of England in each of the last five years for which figures are available.
	tabling member constituency	Newcastle upon Tyne Central
	tabling member printed	Chi Onwurah
	uin	2885
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 24/10/2019 answer text <p>The requested information is provided in the following table:</p><p> </p><p><strong>Proportion of North East of England Intake to the Untrained Regular Armed Forces, by Financial Year and Service</strong></p><table><tbody><tr><td><p><strong> Financial Year</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>2014-15</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>2015-16</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>2016-17</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>2017-18</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>2018-19</strong></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>Royal Navy/Royal Marines</strong></p></td><td><p>6.5%</p></td><td><p>7.8%</p></td><td><p>6.6%</p></td><td><p>7.0%</p></td><td><p>5.7%</p></td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><table><tbody><tr><td><p><strong> Financial Year</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>2013-14</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>2014-15</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>2015-16</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>2016-17</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>2017-18</strong></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>Army</strong></p></td><td><p>5.3%</p></td><td><p>7.1%</p></td><td><p>6.7%</p></td><td><p>5.7%</p></td><td><p>5.9%</p></td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><table><tbody><tr><td><p><strong> Financial Year</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>2014-15</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>2015-16</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>2016-17</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>2017-18</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>2018-19</strong></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>Royal Air Force</strong></p></td><td><p>4.4%</p></td><td><p>5.9%</p></td><td><p>7.0%</p></td><td><p>6.8%</p></td><td><p>6.6%</p></td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><p>Notes:</p><p>1) UK Regulars are full-time Service personnel, including Nursing Services and, excluding FTRS personnel, Gurkhas, mobilised Reservists, Military Provost Guarding Service (MPGS), Locally Engaged Personnel (LEP), and Non-Regular Permanent Service (NRPS).</p><p>2) Figures include both Officers and Other Ranks.</p><p>3) Region has been identified from Contact Postcode as recorded in the Defence Recruitment System (DRS).</p><p>4) Total includes personnel who do not have a full UK postcode recorded in DRS and those that have a service record that cannot be cross-referenced to DRS.</p><p>5) 2018-19 statistics are not yet available for the Army, and so the latest available figures have been provided.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Milton Keynes North answering member printed Mark Lancaster question first answered 24/10/2019 14:26:06 answering member 1544 label Biography information for Lord Lancaster of Kimbolton
	tabling member	4124 label Biography information for Chi Onwurah

1170765

	registered interest
	date	14/01/2020
	answering body	Ministry of Justice
	answering dept id	54
	answering dept short name	Justice
	answering dept sort name	Justice
	hansard heading	Dangerous Driving: Sentencing
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what the average sentence given to drivers whose negligence led to the death of a child was in each of the last five years; and what the sentencing guidance is.
	tabling member constituency	Newcastle upon Tyne Central
	tabling member printed	Chi Onwurah
	uin	3197
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 20/01/2020 answer text <p>The Ministry of Justice has published information on offenders sentenced to custody for causing death by driving offences up to December 2018, which is available in the Outcomes by Offence data tool at: <a href="https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/802314/outcomes-by-offence-tool-2018.xlsx" target="_blank">https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/802314/outcomes-by-offence-tool-2018.xlsx</a>.</p><p> </p><p>Detailed information on victims may be held on court record but individual court records would need to be accessed to identify such cases, which would be of disproportionate cost.</p><p> </p><p>The Sentencing Council have published sentencing guidelines on causing death by driving offences at: <a href="https://www.sentencingcouncil.org.uk/crown-court?s&amp;collection=causing-death-by-driving" target="_blank">https://www.sentencingcouncil.org.uk/crown-court?s&amp;collection=causing-death-by-driving</a>.</p> answering member constituency Croydon South answering member printed Chris Philp grouped question UIN 3198 question first answered 20/01/2020 14:28:17 answering member 4503 label Biography information for Chris Philp
	tabling member	4124 label Biography information for Chi Onwurah

1170767

	registered interest
	date	14/01/2020
	answering body	Ministry of Justice
	answering dept id	54
	answering dept short name	Justice
	answering dept sort name	Justice
	hansard heading	Dangerous Driving: Death
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many children aged 16 or under have been killed by negligent drivers in each year for which figures are available.
	tabling member constituency	Newcastle upon Tyne Central
	tabling member printed	Chi Onwurah
	uin	3198
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 20/01/2020 answer text <p>The Ministry of Justice has published information on offenders sentenced to custody for causing death by driving offences up to December 2018, which is available in the Outcomes by Offence data tool at: <a href="https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/802314/outcomes-by-offence-tool-2018.xlsx" target="_blank">https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/802314/outcomes-by-offence-tool-2018.xlsx</a>.</p><p> </p><p>Detailed information on victims may be held on court record but individual court records would need to be accessed to identify such cases, which would be of disproportionate cost.</p><p> </p><p>The Sentencing Council have published sentencing guidelines on causing death by driving offences at: <a href="https://www.sentencingcouncil.org.uk/crown-court?s&amp;collection=causing-death-by-driving" target="_blank">https://www.sentencingcouncil.org.uk/crown-court?s&amp;collection=causing-death-by-driving</a>.</p> answering member constituency Croydon South answering member printed Chris Philp grouped question UIN 3197 question first answered 20/01/2020 14:28:17 answering member 4503 label Biography information for Chris Philp
	tabling member	4124 label Biography information for Chi Onwurah

1170769

	registered interest
	date	14/01/2020
	answering body	Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept id	201
	answering dept short name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept sort name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	hansard heading	Conditions of Employment
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether the Government has plans to diverge from the EU on employment rights after the UK leaves the EU.
	tabling member constituency	Newcastle upon Tyne Central
	tabling member printed	Chi Onwurah
	uin	3199
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 20/01/2020 answer text <p>It is a priority to make the UK the best place in the world to work. The Government has committed to protect and enhance workers’ rights after the UK leaves the EU. Workers’ rights in the UK already go above the EU minimum standards in a number of areas and as such the UK already diverges from these in a way which is positive for UK workers.</p> answering member constituency Rochester and Strood answering member printed Kelly Tolhurst question first answered 20/01/2020 14:28:08 answering member 4487 label Biography information for Kelly Tolhurst
	tabling member	4124 label Biography information for Chi Onwurah

1170770

	registered interest
	date	14/01/2020
	answering body	Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept id	201
	answering dept short name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept sort name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	hansard heading	Nissan: Import Duties
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if she will publish the guarantees offered to Nissan with respect to tariffs upon the UK's exit from the EU.
	tabling member constituency	Newcastle upon Tyne Central
	tabling member printed	Chi Onwurah
	uin	3200
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 20/01/2020 answer text <p>The Political Declaration establishes the parameters for an ambitious and flexible partnership across trade and economic cooperation through a Free Trade Agreement with the EU<ins class="ministerial">.</ins> A key objective is to ensure that there are no tariffs, fees or quantitative restrictions across sectors, with modern and accompanying Rules of Origin, and ambitious customs arrangements.</p><p> </p><p>We have not offered guarantees to Nissan specifically with respect to tariffs.</p> answering member constituency Stratford-on-Avon answering member printed Nadhim Zahawi question first answered 20/01/2020 16:39:38 question first ministerially corrected 20/01/2020 17:21:20 answering member 4113 label Biography information for Nadhim Zahawi previous answer version 1694 answering member constituency Stratford-on-Avon answering member printed Nadhim Zahawi answering member 4113 label Biography information for Nadhim Zahawi
	tabling member	4124 label Biography information for Chi Onwurah

1170771

	registered interest
	date	14/01/2020
	answering body	Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept id	201
	answering dept short name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept sort name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	hansard heading	Nissan: Import Duties
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what estimate her Department has made of the tariffs that will be imposed on Nissan's UK operations after the UK leaves the EU.
	tabling member constituency	Newcastle upon Tyne Central
	tabling member printed	Chi Onwurah
	uin	3201
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 20/01/2020 answer text <p>The Political Declaration establishes the parameters for an ambitious and flexible partnership across trade and economic cooperation through a Free Trade Agreement with the EU A key objective is to ensure that there are no tariffs, fees or quantitative restrictions across sectors, with modern and accompanying Rules of Origin, and ambitious customs arrangements.</p><p> </p><p>We have not offered guarantees to Nissan specifically with respect to tariffs.</p> answering member constituency Stratford-on-Avon answering member printed Nadhim Zahawi grouped question UIN 3200 question first answered 20/01/2020 16:39:38 answering member 4113 label Biography information for Nadhim Zahawi
	tabling member	4124 label Biography information for Chi Onwurah

1171315

	registered interest
	date	16/01/2020
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Ukraine: Aviation
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what progress he has made in achieving justice for the victims of flight MH17.
	tabling member constituency	Newcastle upon Tyne Central
	tabling member printed	Chi Onwurah
	uin	4342
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 21/01/2020 answer text <p>The British Government continues to support the MH17 Joint Investigation Team whose extensive investigations have enabled the Dutch Public Prosecutor to commence criminal proceedings. We have made a financial contribution to the establishment of the Dutch court that will conduct the trial, which starts in March. This will help ensure that the families and friends of the victims receive answers, and that those responsible are held to account for this appalling crime. The government joins the Netherlands and Australia in calling on the Russian Federation to accept state responsibility, and to cooperate with the court to deliver justice for the victims of this tragedy.</p> answering member constituency South Derbyshire answering member printed Mrs Heather Wheeler question first answered 21/01/2020 17:02:07 answering member 4053 label Biography information for Mrs Heather Wheeler
	tabling member	4124 label Biography information for Chi Onwurah

1171593

	registered interest
	date	17/01/2020
	answering body	Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
	answering dept id	10
	answering dept short name	Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
	answering dept sort name	Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
	hansard heading	Databases: Finance
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Minister of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what progress he is making with the National Data Strategy; and what the timeframe is for its publication.
	tabling member constituency	Newcastle upon Tyne Central
	tabling member printed	Chi Onwurah
	uin	4733
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/01/2020 answer text <p>Following stakeholder engagement and a public-facing call for evidence in 2019, DCMS is continuing to lead cross-government work to progress the UK's National Data Strategy. <br>In the coming months, a workable timeframe for the publication and implementation of the Strategy will be agreed with colleagues across government, so that we can fully and responsibly unlock the power of data, for people and organisations across the UK.</p> answering member constituency Selby and Ainsty answering member printed Nigel Adams question first answered 22/01/2020 17:09:41 answering member 4057 label Biography information for Nigel Adams
	tabling member	4124 label Biography information for Chi Onwurah

1172204

	registered interest
	date	21/01/2020
	answering body	Department for International Development
	answering dept id	20
	answering dept short name	International Development
	answering dept sort name	International Development
	hansard heading	UK-Africa Investment Summit
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, whether the Africa-UK Investment Summit will be an annual event.
	tabling member constituency	Newcastle upon Tyne Central
	tabling member printed	Chi Onwurah
	uin	6102
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 27/01/2020 answer text <p>This Summit achieved its objectives of laying the foundations for a new stronger relationship between the UK and Africa based on mutually beneficial trade and investment, which will deliver for all our people. Following our departure from the European Union, the Government will build further on these foundations, in a range of ways, to realise the UK’s ambition to be the investment partner of choice for Africa, to create hundreds of thousands of jobs and to ensure the mutual prosperity of all our nations.</p><p> </p><p>I have placed a copy of the UK Government’s statement on the Summit in the Library of the House. The statement is also available on <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-government-statement-on-the-uk-africa-investment-summit" target="_blank">gov.uk</a>.</p> answering member constituency Pendle answering member printed Andrew Stephenson question first answered 27/01/2020 13:31:06 answering member 4044 label Biography information for Andrew Stephenson
	tabling member	4124 label Biography information for Chi Onwurah

1172206

	registered interest
	date	21/01/2020
	answering body	Department for International Development
	answering dept id	20
	answering dept short name	International Development
	answering dept sort name	International Development
	hansard heading	UK-Africa Investment Summit
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what the outcomes of the UK-Africa Investment Summit 2020 were; and what plans he has to support to grassroots partnerships developed as a result of that summit.
	tabling member constituency	Newcastle upon Tyne Central
	tabling member printed	Chi Onwurah
	uin	6103
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 27/01/2020 answer text <p>The Summit laid the foundations for new partnerships between the UK and African nations based on trade, investment, shared values and mutual interest. Billions of pounds of new commercial deals were announced highlighting the strength of the UK’s offer and existing relationship with Africa.</p><p>The UK also announced new initiatives and funding which will: strengthen the joint trading relationship, support African countries in their ambition to transform their economies, launch a major new partnership with the city of London, turbo-charge infrastructure financing, and enable Africa’s clean energy potential. For example, the Government announced it will be scaling up its Financial Sector Deepening Network programme by a further £320mn. This programme is aimed at strengthening financial systems across Africa to make them more attractive to international investors by providing support to countries to meet global standards and by deepening and driving cross-border banking across the continent.</p><p>I have placed a copy of the UK Government’s statement on the Summit in the Library of the House. The statement is also available on <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-government-statement-on-the-uk-africa-investment-summit" target="_blank">gov.uk</a>.</p> answering member constituency Pendle answering member printed Andrew Stephenson question first answered 27/01/2020 13:31:44 answering member 4044 label Biography information for Andrew Stephenson
	tabling member	4124 label Biography information for Chi Onwurah

1172210

	registered interest
	date	21/01/2020
	answering body	Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
	answering dept id	7
	answering dept short name	Housing, Communities and Local Government
	answering dept sort name	Housing, Communities and Local Government
	hansard heading	Homelessness
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of funding allocated to tackling rough sleeping and homelessness.
	tabling member constituency	Newcastle upon Tyne Central
	tabling member printed	Chi Onwurah
	uin	6104
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 27/01/2020 answer text <p>The Government has committed to eliminating rough sleeping in the term of this parliament and to fully enforcing the Homelessness Reduction Act, committing over £1.2 billion to tackle homelessness and rough sleeping over the current spending review period to April 2020.</p><p>In December 2019 we announced the allocation of £263 million in funding for 2020/21 to local authorities designed to support them to deliver services to tackle homelessness. This is an uplift of £23 million on the previous year. The funding has been allocated through a formula which reflects relative homeless pressures, while at the same time aiming to protect local authorities which currently have high levels of temporary accommodation.</p><p>We have committed to reviewing the implementation of the Act, including the resourcing of it and how it is working in practice, by March 2020. We will make decisions about future funding beyond 2020/21 after the review has concluded.</p><p>Since 2018, the Rough Sleeping Initiative has provided a total of £76 million to 246 councils across the country, supporting rough sleepers off the streets and into secure accommodation, where they can get the help they need to rebuild their lives. In its first year, the initiative delivered over 1,750 new bed spaces as well as enabling areas with the highest levels of rough sleeping to hire more than 500 new staff. This year, we are providing funding for an estimated 2,600 bed spaces and 750 staff.</p> answering member constituency Thornbury and Yate answering member printed Luke Hall question first answered 27/01/2020 17:43:55 answering member 4450 label Biography information for Luke Hall
	tabling member	4124 label Biography information for Chi Onwurah

1172211

	registered interest
	date	21/01/2020
	answering body	Treasury
	answering dept id	14
	answering dept short name	Treasury
	answering dept sort name	Treasury
	hansard heading	Carbon Emissions and Renewable Energy: Finance
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what plans he has to (a) take fiscal steps to reduce carbon emissions and (b) expand public funding for renewable energy.
	tabling member constituency	Newcastle upon Tyne Central
	tabling member printed	Chi Onwurah
	uin	6105
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 29/01/2020 answer text <p>HM Treasury takes its environmental responsibilities very seriously. As you would expect, we are considering what further fiscal and other policy measures are needed to meet our 2050 net zero target.</p><p> </p><p>We have already committed £2.5bn to support low carbon innovation from 2015-2021, and £1bn on supporting the take-up of ultra-low emission vehicles. Furthermore, we are forecast to spend over £10bn p/a of support for low carbon and renewable power funded by consumer levies by 2020/21</p><p> </p><p>HM Treasury’s Net Zero Review is looking into how the transition to a net zero economy will be funded, and where the costs will fall. The review will publish its findings in Autumn 2020.</p> answering member constituency Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland answering member printed Mr Simon Clarke question first answered 29/01/2020 14:37:29 answering member 4655 label Biography information for Sir Simon Clarke
	tabling member	4124 label Biography information for Chi Onwurah

1172212

	registered interest
	date	21/01/2020
	answering body	Treasury
	answering dept id	14
	answering dept short name	Treasury
	answering dept sort name	Treasury
	hansard heading	Manufacturing Industries: North East
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent assessment he has made of trends in manufacturing output in the North East.
	tabling member constituency	Newcastle upon Tyne Central
	tabling member printed	Chi Onwurah
	uin	6106
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 29/01/2020 answer text <p>Manufacturing is a key sector of the North East economy representing 14.7% of its total output and over £8bn in Gross Value Added in 2018.</p><p> </p><p>The North East is an important part of our Northern Powerhouse, which our manifesto commits to fully support.</p><p> </p><p>Since 2015, Local Enterprise Partnerships in the North East have received over £500m from the Local Growth Fund to be spent on local economic priorities. The North East will benefit from Transforming Cities Fund helping passengers, commuters &amp; motorists.</p> answering member constituency Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland answering member printed Mr Simon Clarke question first answered 29/01/2020 14:39:52 answering member 4655 label Biography information for Sir Simon Clarke
	tabling member	4124 label Biography information for Chi Onwurah

1172214

	registered interest
	date	21/01/2020
	answering body	Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
	answering dept id	7
	answering dept short name	Housing, Communities and Local Government
	answering dept sort name	Housing, Communities and Local Government
	hansard heading	Housing: Standards
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps he is taking to support local authorities in setting targets for lowering carbon emissions that go beyond the requirements of the Future Homes Standard.
	tabling member constituency	Newcastle upon Tyne Central
	tabling member printed	Chi Onwurah
	uin	6107
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 27/01/2020 answer text <p>The Government has committed to introduce a Future Homes Standard by 2025. This means new homes will be fit for the future proofed, with low carbon heating and lower energy use through high levels of energy efficiency. We propose that new homes built to the Future Homes Standard from 2025 should have carbon dioxide emissions up to 80 per cent lower than those built to current building regulations standards.</p><p>We are currently consulting on a meaningful and achievable increase to the energy efficiency standards for new homes to be introduced through the Building Regulations in 2020, as a stepping stone to this commitment. The preferred option is to set a standard that should result in a 31 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions. The consultation is open until 7 February and we welcome further evidence.</p><p>The Future Homes Standard consultation is considering local planning authority powers in respect of energy efficiency. Our current proposals consider setting a stringent minimum standard for energy efficiency through the Building Regulations, meaning that there may no longer be any need for local planning authorities to set higher standards. At least 265 councils have set out their intentions to deliver Passivhaus standard or zero carbon homes, as well as incentivising businesses and homeowners to improve the efficiency of the existing stock.</p> answering member constituency Tatton answering member printed Esther McVey question first answered 27/01/2020 18:00:21 answering member 4084 label Biography information for Esther McVey previous answer version 3079 answering member constituency Tatton answering member printed Esther McVey answering member 4084 label Biography information for Esther McVey
	tabling member	4124 label Biography information for Chi Onwurah

1172529

	registered interest
	date	22/01/2020
	answering body	Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
	answering dept id	7
	answering dept short name	Housing, Communities and Local Government
	answering dept sort name	Housing, Communities and Local Government
	hansard heading	Housing: Standards
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the potential contribution of (a) the Future Homes Standard and (b) housing policy to the UK reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
	tabling member constituency	Newcastle upon Tyne Central
	tabling member printed	Chi Onwurah
	uin	6677
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 27/01/2020 answer text <p>The housing sector, like most other sectors of the country, will have to almost fully decarbonise to meet our 2050 net zero carbon emissions target. While we have had significant successes to date, with a 15 per cent reduction in average household energy use since 2010, we know that a step change in pace of delivery will be needed to meet the challenge of net zero.</p><p>The Government has committed to introduce a Future Homes Standard by 2025. This means new homes will be fit for the future, with low carbon heating and lower energy use through high levels of energy efficiency. We propose that new homes built to the Future Homes Standard from 2025 should have carbon dioxide emissions up to 80 per cent lower than those built to current building regulations standards.</p><p>We are currently consulting on a meaningful and achievable increase to the energy efficiency standards for new homes to be introduced through the Building Regulations in 2020, as a stepping stone to this commitment. The preferred option is to set a standard that should result in a 31 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions. The consultation is open until 7 February and we welcome further evidence.</p> answering member constituency Tatton answering member printed Esther McVey question first answered 27/01/2020 17:50:33 answering member 4084 label Biography information for Esther McVey previous answer version 3088 answering member constituency Tatton answering member printed Esther McVey answering member 4084 label Biography information for Esther McVey
	tabling member	4124 label Biography information for Chi Onwurah

1172530

	registered interest
	date	22/01/2020
	answering body	Department for Work and Pensions
	answering dept id	29
	answering dept short name	Work and Pensions
	answering dept sort name	Work and Pensions
	hansard heading	Food Poverty: Newcastle upon Tyne
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps he plans to take to tackle food poverty in Newcastle upon Tyne constituency.
	tabling member constituency	Newcastle upon Tyne Central
	tabling member printed	Chi Onwurah
	uin	6678
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 28/01/2020 answer text <p>The government is committed to delivering a sustainable long-term solution to poverty in all its forms and in all parts of the UK by building a strong economy and ensuring that the benefit system works with the tax system and the labour market to support employment and higher pay.</p><p>The evidence shows that full time work substantially reduces the risk of being in poverty. Universal Credit is designed to help people move into work faster, stay in work longer and spend more time looking to increase their earnings, provides more financial help with childcare costs and removes the 16-hour ‘cliff edge<strong>’</strong> for those who are working. To help families keep more of what they earn we have delivered another rise in the National Living Wage, increasing a full-time worker’s annual pay by over £2,750 since its introduction, and by nearly £3,700 with the recently announced rise from this April, with our tax changes making basic rate tax payers over £1,200 better off from April 2019, compared with 2010.</p><p>In order to develop a better understanding of the drivers of food insecurity and identify which groups are most at risk we have introduced a new set of food security questions in the Family Resources Survey questionnaire from April 2019 onwards. This will enable us in the future to monitor the prevalence and severity of household food insecurity across the UK and for specific groups.</p> answering member constituency Colchester answering member printed Will Quince grouped question UIN 7197 question first answered 28/01/2020 17:41:58 answering member 4423 label Biography information for Will Quince previous answer version 3147 answering member constituency Colchester answering member printed Will Quince answering member 4423 label Biography information for Will Quince
	tabling member	4124 label Biography information for Chi Onwurah

1172531

	registered interest
	date	22/01/2020
	answering body	Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
	answering dept id	7
	answering dept short name	Housing, Communities and Local Government
	answering dept sort name	Housing, Communities and Local Government
	hansard heading	Housing: Standards
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what estimate he has made of the cost of retrofitting new build properties to meet carbon zero standards.
	tabling member constituency	Newcastle upon Tyne Central
	tabling member printed	Chi Onwurah
	uin	6679
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 05/02/2020 answer text <p>By 2025 the government will introduce a Future Homes Standard for new build homes to be future proofed with low carbon heating and world leading levels of energy efficiency. This means that from 2025 new homes will not need to be retrofitted to meet net zero.</p> answering member constituency Tatton answering member printed Esther McVey question first answered 05/02/2020 17:58:15 answering member 4084 label Biography information for Esther McVey previous answer version 3089 answering member constituency Tatton answering member printed Esther McVey answering member 4084 label Biography information for Esther McVey
	tabling member	4124 label Biography information for Chi Onwurah

1172885

	registered interest
	date	23/01/2020
	answering body	Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
	answering dept id	10
	answering dept short name	Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
	answering dept sort name	Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
	hansard heading	Digital Technology: Carbon Emissions
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Minister of State, Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps he is taking to reduce the carbon footprint of the digital economy.
	tabling member constituency	Newcastle upon Tyne Central
	tabling member printed	Chi Onwurah
	uin	7205
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 28/01/2020 answer text <p>The Government is committed to keeping the UK at the forefront of global action to tackle climate change and protect the environment, and the UK is the first major economy to legislate for net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>In October 2019 the Government established a new Cabinet Committee on Climate Change chaired by the Prime Minister to coordinate government action on climate change across all areas of the economy, including the digital economy. In November 2019, we also launched a Net Zero Review which will assess how the UK can maximise economic growth opportunities as it transforms to a green economy, and ensure a fair balance of contributions from all those that will benefit.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>There are a number of digital technologies, such as the Internet of Things and AI, that have the potential to help the UK to achieve its environmental targets. DCMS are working closely with industry and the UK's scientific community to examine which technologies have the greatest potential, and how these technologies might be most effectively utilised to deliver a more sustainable digital and wider UK economy.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Boston and Skegness answering member printed Matt Warman question first answered 28/01/2020 13:43:03 answering member 4361 label Biography information for Matt Warman
	tabling member	4124 label Biography information for Chi Onwurah

1174210

	registered interest
	date	29/01/2020
	answering body	Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
	answering dept id	10
	answering dept short name	Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
	answering dept sort name	Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
	hansard heading	Digital Technology
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Minister of State, Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what the Government's target is for achieving digital literacy among the UK population.
	tabling member constituency	Newcastle upon Tyne Central
	tabling member printed	Chi Onwurah
	uin	9674
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 03/02/2020 answer text <p>The Government is committed to ensuring all users, children and adults, are empowered to understand and manage risks so that they can stay safe online. Online media and digital literacy can equip users with the skills they need to spot dangers online, critically appraise information and take steps to keep themselves and others safe online. The Government is ensuring that children get high quality education at school to develop their digital literacy. The Online Harms White Paper, published in April 2019, also set out the government’s intention to develop an online media literacy strategy. The strategy will ensure a coordinated and strategic approach to online media literacy education and awareness for children, young people and adults. It will be published in summer 2020.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>The Government’s Digital Strategy, published in March 2017, sets out the Government’s approach to tackling digital exclusion. Our objective is to tackle the root causes of digital exclusion so that everyone can increase their digital capability to make the most of the digital world. We also committed to facilitating strong collaboration between the public, private and third sector to tackle the digital skills gap in a coordinated and coherent way.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>Further, from August, we will introduce a legal entitlement for adults with no or low digital skills to undertake new digital qualifications free of charge.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Boston and Skegness answering member printed Matt Warman question first answered 03/02/2020 17:23:14 answering member 4361 label Biography information for Matt Warman
	tabling member	4124 label Biography information for Chi Onwurah

1174821

	registered interest
	date	30/01/2020
	answering body	Department of Health and Social Care
	answering dept id	17
	answering dept short name	Health and Social Care
	answering dept sort name	Health and Social Care
	hansard heading	NHS Trusts: Carbon Emissions and Climate Change
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what guidance he has provided to NHS trusts on declaring a climate emergency and target for net zero emissions.
	tabling member constituency	Newcastle upon Tyne Central
	tabling member printed	Chi Onwurah
	uin	10493
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 04/02/2020 answer text <p>The ‘For a Greener NHS’ campaign builds on the plans set out in the NHS Long Term Plan and will help address the causes of air pollution and climate change, which are linked to thousands of deaths each year. As part of this work the National Health Service is asked to take action in 2020, with the consultation on the new Standard Contract and the NHS Operational Planning Guidance setting out requirements to cut business mileage, purchase renewable energy, replace lighting with low carbon LED alternatives, reduce carbon across NHS estate and switch to lower carbon inhalers and anaesthetics.</p><p>In addition to this, an NHS Net Zero Plan has been established to chart a practical route map to enable the NHS to get to ‘net zero’. This panel, chaired by Dr Nick Watts, Executive Director of the Lancet Countdown, will set out recommendations to NHS England in the summer, in advance of the COP26 International meeting in Glasgow.</p><p>Additional information can be found at the following link:</p><p><a href="http://www.england.nhs.uk/greenernhs" target="_blank">www.england.nhs.uk/greenernhs</a></p><p> </p><p> </p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p> answering member constituency Charnwood answering member printed Edward Argar question first answered 04/02/2020 15:17:47 answering member 4362 label Biography information for Edward Argar
	tabling member	4124 label Biography information for Chi Onwurah

1174825

	registered interest
	date	30/01/2020
	answering body	Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
	answering dept id	10
	answering dept short name	Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
	answering dept sort name	Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
	hansard heading	Internet: Advertising
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Minister of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what recent discussions has had with the Information Commissioner's Office on improving regulation of real time bidding.
	tabling member constituency	Newcastle upon Tyne Central
	tabling member printed	Chi Onwurah
	uin	10494
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 04/02/2020 answer text <p>Data protection legislation in the UK requires organisations which collect and use personal data to do so lawfully and transparently. Organisations which fail to comply may be investigated by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), the independent regulator.</p><p> </p><p>The ICO is working with the advertising industry to improve compliance with the legislation, including in relation to real time bidding. More information on the actions they have taken can be viewed on the ICO’s website at: <a href="https://ico.org.uk/about-the-ico/news-and-events/news-and-blogs/2020/01/blog-adtech-the-reform-of-real-time-bidding-has-started/" target="_blank">https://ico.org.uk/about-the-ico/news-and-events/news-and-blogs/2020/01/blog-adtech-the-reform-of-real-time-bidding-has-started/</a>. They have also recently launched a public consultation on a draft direct marketing code of practice, governing the processing of personal data for direct marketing purposes.</p><p> </p><p>Last year the government announced its intention to review how online advertising is regulated in the UK, looking at how well the current regime is equipped to tackle the challenges posed by developments in online advertising. This work will complement and supplement other reviews underway in this area, including work by the ICO.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Selby and Ainsty answering member printed Nigel Adams question first answered 04/02/2020 10:35:38 answering member 4057 label Biography information for Nigel Adams
	tabling member	4124 label Biography information for Chi Onwurah

1174826

	registered interest
	date	30/01/2020
	answering body	Treasury
	answering dept id	14
	answering dept short name	Treasury
	answering dept sort name	Treasury
	hansard heading	Tyne and Wear Metro
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he has plans to allocate funding from the public purse for new rolling stock for the Tyne and Wear Metro.
	tabling member constituency	Newcastle upon Tyne Central
	tabling member printed	Chi Onwurah
	uin	10495
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 04/02/2020 answer text <p>I am pleased to confirm the Government remains absolutely committed to investing £337 million to replace the Tyne &amp; Wear Metro’s nearly 40-year-old rolling stock with modern energy-efficient trains.</p><p> </p><p>Last week, Nexus confirmed their preferred bidder to deliver 42 new Metro trains. These are set to transform journeys, providing more comfortable seats and better information for millions of passengers who use the network.</p> answering member constituency Richmond (Yorks) answering member printed Rishi Sunak question first answered 04/02/2020 16:23:00 answering member 4483 label Biography information for Rishi Sunak
	tabling member	4124 label Biography information for Chi Onwurah

1174973

	registered interest
	date	30/01/2020
	answering body	Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
	answering dept id	10
	answering dept short name	Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
	answering dept sort name	Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
	hansard heading	Housing: Broadband
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Minister of State, Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps he is taking to ensure that full-fibre broadband that is competitively priced can be deployed in new build apartment blocks.
	tabling member constituency	Newcastle upon Tyne Central
	tabling member printed	Chi Onwurah
	uin	10373
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 05/02/2020 answer text <p>Ensuring all new rural and urban homes are built with the future in mind, ready to accept the next generation of digital infrastructure, is a top priority for this Government.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>In the Queen’s Speech, the Government announced it will legislate to amend Building Regulations so that all new build homes are required to have the infrastructure to support gigabit-capable connections. We will also legislate to require housing developers to work with broadband companies to install gigabit-capable connections in virtually all new build homes, up to a cost cap. In addition, the Chancellor has announced £5bn of funding to improve broadband in the hardest to reach areas of the country.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>These measures will work alongside the provisions in the Telecommunications Infrastructure (Leasehold Property) Bill. This legislation supports telecoms operators to gain access to blocks of flats where a landlord repeatedly fails to respond to access notices and a resident is seeking a new service.</p><p><br>Together, these measures will drive competition in the commercial market, encourage investment in locations which may otherwise be left behind, and support leaseholders to receive the connectivity they need; from the providers that they want.</p> answering member constituency Boston and Skegness answering member printed Matt Warman question first answered 05/02/2020 12:48:30 answering member 4361 label Biography information for Matt Warman
	tabling member	4124 label Biography information for Chi Onwurah

1174975

	registered interest
	date	30/01/2020
	answering body	Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
	answering dept id	10
	answering dept short name	Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
	answering dept sort name	Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
	hansard heading	Openreach
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Minister of State, Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to the Government response to the Ensuring tenants’ access to gigabit-capable connections consultation, what recent assessment he has made of the (a) fiscal, (b) regulatory and (b) legislative requirements for BT to commit the Openreach funding necessary for full-fibre deployment.
	tabling member constituency	Newcastle upon Tyne Central
	tabling member printed	Chi Onwurah
	uin	10374
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 04/02/2020 answer text <p>The Government believes that encouraging a range of network builders, including BT/Openreach, to invest in faster broadband is the best way to deliver full fibre and gigabit connectivity at pace. To support this, the Government is implementing a number of legislative and non-legislative reforms to make it easier and cheaper for the private sector to deploy broadband. For example, we have recently introduced legislation to make it easier to connect tenanted properties, and the Chancellor has announced £5bn of funding to improve broadband in the hardest to reach areas of the country.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>As the independent regulator, Ofcom has also taken action to promote commercial investment and network competition, and is currently consulting on its regulatory proposals for the 2021-26 period, including how to encourage BT/Openreach to build in harder to reach areas.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Boston and Skegness answering member printed Matt Warman question first answered 04/02/2020 13:34:27 answering member 4361 label Biography information for Matt Warman
	tabling member	4124 label Biography information for Chi Onwurah

1174980

	registered interest
	date	30/01/2020
	answering body	Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
	answering dept id	10
	answering dept short name	Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
	answering dept sort name	Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
	hansard heading	Broadband
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Minister of State, Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps his Department taking to ensure infrastructural competition in gigabit access to multi dwelling units.
	tabling member constituency	Newcastle upon Tyne Central
	tabling member printed	Chi Onwurah
	uin	10375
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 04/02/2020 answer text <p>The Government has made clear its ambition for nationwide gigabit broadband as quickly as possible.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>The Telecommunications Infrastructure (Leasehold Property) Bill, which has already entered the House, will support the delivery of gigabit access to multi-dwelling buildings, by providing a faster, cheaper route through the courts for operators faced with a landlord who is repeatedly unresponsive to their access request notices and a resident is seeking a service.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>The provisions in the Bill will provide telecoms operators with access to the common areas of the building (the stairwells, corridors and basements) for the purpose of installing digital infrastructure.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>This process is available to operators to use for access to all multi-dwelling buildings, including where an existing broadband service is currently available, and where the landlord has repeatedly failed to respond to requests for access.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Boston and Skegness answering member printed Matt Warman question first answered 04/02/2020 13:41:09 answering member 4361 label Biography information for Matt Warman
	tabling member	4124 label Biography information for Chi Onwurah

1174982

	registered interest
	date	30/01/2020
	answering body	Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
	answering dept id	10
	answering dept short name	Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
	answering dept sort name	Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
	hansard heading	Buildings: Telecommunications
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Minister of State, Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, if she will make an assessment of the adequacy of the right of access to buildings for telecoms providers.
	tabling member constituency	Newcastle upon Tyne Central
	tabling member printed	Chi Onwurah
	uin	10376
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 04/02/2020 answer text <p>The Electronic Communications Code, set out in Schedule 3A to the Communications Act 2003, provides rights for telecommunications operators to access buildings (and other land) to deploy, maintain and upgrade electronic communications apparatus.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>Most access agreements are reached on a consensual basis. However, where parties are unable to reach a mutual agreement, the Code provides that either party may ask the Upper Tribunal to impose an agreement.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>In response to concerns raised by industry about difficulties accessing multiple-dwelling buildings, the Department is bringing forward the Telecommunications Infrastructure (Leasehold Property) Bill, which will amend the Code to create a new process for operators to gain access rights for multiple-dwelling buildings with unresponsive landlords.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Boston and Skegness answering member printed Matt Warman question first answered 04/02/2020 13:39:47 answering member 4361 label Biography information for Matt Warman
	tabling member	4124 label Biography information for Chi Onwurah

1174989

	registered interest
	date	30/01/2020
	answering body	Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
	answering dept id	10
	answering dept short name	Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
	answering dept sort name	Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
	hansard heading	Openreach
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Minister of State, Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, whether he has made an assessment of the accuracy of Openreach’s current map of fibre connections in estimating the potential for full-fibre roll-out.
	tabling member constituency	Newcastle upon Tyne Central
	tabling member printed	Chi Onwurah
	uin	10377
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 05/02/2020 answer text <p>The Government uses a range of data sources in considering the potential for full fibre and gigabit broadband deployment. We have not made a specific assessment of the accuracy of Openreach's current map of fibre connections. However, we draw on data published by Openreach and other providers, as well as data Ofcom collects on overall network coverage, in estimating future roll-out.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Boston and Skegness answering member printed Matt Warman question first answered 05/02/2020 12:50:01 answering member 4361 label Biography information for Matt Warman
	tabling member	4124 label Biography information for Chi Onwurah